ASHLAND — A developer and the Historical Commission are at odds over whether the historic farmhouse at the former Glean Maura Farm on Olive Street is worth saving.

The building at 226 Olive St. is also known as the Ezra B. Rockwood House. The property was previously owned by the Sibson family, which tried to sell the home to the town for affordable housing.

Developer Daniel Aho says the house is in "very poor shape" and hopes to tear it down to build two new homes. But the commission voted in February that the house is "historically and architecturally significant" and issued a nine-month demolition delay.

Built around 1839, the farmhouse is considered an important early industrial period home in Ashland, according to the town’s historic survey. In the survey, it is considered one of 11 sites in Ashland that might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

It is known for its "side-gable massing and twin chimneys behind the roof ridge," according to the survey.

"It was a very nicely designed farmhouse for that time," said Historical Commission member Cynthia Winterhalter. "It is a shame not to save it and preserve it."

She said the commission hopes to work with Aho on alternatives, such as building a new home in the back of the property and preserving the farmhouse.

There was also talk of pursuing Community Preservation money for affordable housing. Aho told the commission he would consider that option.

"The interior of the house is in good condition," Winterhalter said. "It was lived in until recently."

Aho said it would be too costly to properly restore with no insulation and the plumbing and electrical work ripped out. The floor slants and the basement is leaking, he told the commission in February.

He said the eight fireplaces are non-functioning and the ceilings are low.

The property was bought in January for $130,000 from the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, according the commission’s meeting minutes.

"The house is in very poor shape," Aho said. "We ran the numbers. The cost to do the improvements and restore it would far exceed what it would sell for."

It would be a tough sell being so close to the road and its location in town, he said.

"It doesn’t have the old charm with all the details and high ceilings," Aho said.

Aho has built new homes nearby at 228, 230 and 232 Olive St.

For years, the property was used for horse riding lessons at Glean Maura Farm.

The town owns land across the street, which was once part of the farm and housed a barn and riding ring. The town also owns 32 acres nearby that was previously Weston Nurseries.

Page 2 of 2 - Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 508-626-4338 or jphelps@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPhelps_MW.